While exploring an abandoned location, one will come across various hazards that you will need to navigate. There are dangers that can be seen and others that are completely invisible to the naked human eye. Below are a few safety tips to keep in mind if you decide to do some urban exploration of your own.
 

 ASBESTOS
Asbestos is the single most danger to any urban explorer. Be it abandoned buildings, drains and/or tunnels that are explored, this nasty little substance can probably be found. Asbestos particles float around in the air, especially when disturbed, and can be breathed in. Over time, asbestos can cause numerous problems, including an untreatable version of lung cancer that is very agonizing to those who contract the illness. The risk of health problems from asbestos are significantly greater if the person is a smoker. Since one cannot see asbestos particles with the naked eye, always assume the location being explored is infected with these fibers (unless of course a cemetery is being explored). Dust masks do little to keep asbestos from entering the lungs, so obtain a respirator that specifically states that it filters asbestos to protect yourself. Check out Exploration Gear in our Gear Shop for this product.
 
 OTHER CONTAMINANTS
Other than asbestos, many other contaminants can be found in an abandoned structure. They can range from industrial waste to bio-hazardous materials to various solvents to nasty used grease to the forbidding black mold. These substances could be found and then some. Again always consider wearing a respirator or, at the very least, a dust mask, gloves and thick soled shoes.
 
 MACHINERY
Even though the location looks largely abandoned, it may still have running electricity. Don't do anything you wouldn't do if you knew there was electric going to the equipment. Make sure to wear gloves and be extremely careful if you decide to mess around with old rusty machines. Don't turn valves or flip switches since it is not known what will happen. This can be very dangerous to both you, those around you, and the structure itself.
 
 STRUCTURE STABILITY
If the location has been abandoned for a long time, there's always a chance of things falling down or falling through. In some places, if you lean against the wall, you can feel the wall move or it could even fall. Watch for floors and ceilings that look unsound and avoid walking there. Case in point, some OES members almost fell through a second story floor once while exploring an old house because they weren't paying attention to the floor. Always use extreme caution when using staircases as the stair may fall through. As an example, watch the video to the left of an OES member falling in a hole inside an abandoned schoolhouse. Just pay attention to where you're going, use caution, and use common sense to safely navigate while exploring an abandoned structure.

 
 GENERAL SAFETY
A minimal of three people should be present when exploring an abandoned structure. If someone is injured, one person may stay behind with the injured party while the other goes for help. Whenever possible, someone in the group should carry a cell phone and first-aid kit in case of such an event. Always carry proper identification and offer to show it if encountered by law enforcement.